This One's For The Gipper

In honour of Ronald Reagan whose persistance and determination freed more people than any other man in history.

Reagan was president at a time when he could easily have continued the policies of those who came before him. But he knew there was evil in the world and instead of leaving it for someone else to confront he carried the burden. The world owes him a debt that can never be repaid.

And how stands the city on this winter night? More prosperous, more secure, and happier than it was eight years ago. ... And she's still a beacon, still a magnet for all who must have freedom, for all the pilgrims from all the lost places who are hurtling through the darkness, toward home.

During a 1984 debate with Walter Mondale: "I'm not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience."

"You can tell a lot about a fellow's character by his way of eating jellybeans."

"Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first."

In testing the microphone for his weekly radio address, Reagan declared, ''My fellow Americans, I'm pleased to tell you today I've just signed legislation which outlaws Russia forever. The bombing begins in five minutes.''

"Above all we must realize that no arsenal or no weapon in the arsenals of the world is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women."

To wife Nancy after John Hinckley, Jr.'s 1981 assassination attempt: "Honey, I forgot to duck."

"Abortion is advocated only by persons who themselves have been born."

"Politics is a very rewarding profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book."